to think if they charged realistic prices people would participate?

[Psychpineapple]

Just been to local village fete.

It is dead and has been according to the people there all day.

There were a maximum of 12 stalls, and 50 stall holders, and 30 visitors.

My dc wanted to go on the small bouncy castle - there were no other children on it - I asked how much it was I was told it was £2 each!!

My dc wanted to on the climbing wall - again no other children on it - £2.50 each!

Face painting £3 each - no other children on it!

Mr Whippy ice cream (small) £2.50 each no one purchasing.

Rest were tombolas at £1 a go, with prizes that were 50p or less from the shop opposite.

The stall holders were moaning a) it was a poor turnout and b) the people who did turn up were not spending.

They weren't spending because your prices are extortionate. It's poor turnout, as the people who are turning up are not encouraging friends to come down as your prices are extortionate.

[worraliberty]

I agree and the prices are even worse here in London.

Our local town show just gets more expensive every year with some bouncy castles at £3 for five minutes

[Geordieminx]

Have just been to a family fun day at local gardens.

Year before last was fab, really good turn out, train ride, fairground carosel, craft marquee, lots of local businesses. Great afternoon out, think it was about £1.50 to get in.

Last year, not so good, no train (council cut backs), less displays etc but still no bad, again about £1.50 to get in.

This year, it wasnt advertised until last week, and had been cut from 4 days to 2 (lots of schools used to organise trips there). It was free to get in but was really poor, no rides, no displays it competitions. A small cafe, play ground and face painting (£1.50)

It's a shame these things are dying out, but I think it's a vicious circle of costs v what people will pay. If there was only 30 people there then even if they only charged 50p it's unlikely they would make much money. Very sad.

[Psychpineapple]

But there were loads of families in the adajacent playground, and I know for one, that if things were more reasonable (£1 a go on activities) (25p/50p a ticket) I'd have contacted friends and said pop down things going on.

As it was I winced at the cost.

[GypsyMoth]

i avoid these things....5dc here.

even the school fair is ridiculous,but you are expected to pay out as its your childs school!

[expatinscotland]

Have 3 DCs and generally avoid these sorts of things as well for cost reasons.

[GypsyMoth]

and if we do go to anything,i tend to give the older dc some cash each which they have to manage for themselves. interesting how they dont want the bottle of coke when its suddenly £1.20 out of THEIR money,and will settle for some water from our picnic instead!!!

seaside is a prime example